Fahad Saleh Almutlaq

Mr. Fahad Saleh Almutlaq

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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4 March 2026 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Umar Lawal DanoUmar Lawal Dano
Umar Lawal Dano
AAAntar A Aboukorin
Antar A Aboukorin
FAFaez Al-shihri
Faez Al-shihri
Abdulrahman Abdulaziz AlnaimAbdulrahman Abdulaziz Alnaim
Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Alnaim
FAFahad Saleh Almutlaq
Fahad Saleh Almutlaq
EAEltahir Mohamed Elhadi Abdalla
Eltahir Mohamed Elhadi Abdalla
Sea-level rise (SLR) and coastal flooding are among the most pressing climate-related challenges facing coastal regions worldwide, and their impacts are further intensified by rapid urbanization. These processes pose serious socioeconomic and environmental risks, including increased flood exposure, threats to public health, and damage to critical infrastructure. In Saudi Arabia, more than 3100 km2 of coastal land lies at elevations of 1 m or lower; however, reliable assessments of future sea-level rise and its potential impacts remain limited, creating significant uncertainty for long-term planning. This study addresses this knowledge gap by identifying areas vulnerable to sea-level rise and coastal flooding through the development of inundation maps for the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA) as a case study, while also outlining potential adaptation measures. Using satellite imagery and geospatial datasets, changes in the DMA shoreline between 2014 and 2024 were analyzed, and sea-level rise scenarios were simulated based on projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The results indicate that under a 0.6 m sea-level rise scenario, flooding would be limited to a small area of approximately 0.2 km2 in the Half-Moon residential district. In contrast, a 1.1 m sea-level rise scenario reveals a substantial increase in risk, with nearly 83 km2 of the DMA potentially exposed to coastal flooding. Based on these findings, targeted disaster management and adaptation strategies are recommended for areas most vulnerable to sea-level rise. The study highlights the need for policies regulating coastal reclamation and other climate-sensitive developments to minimize future flood risks. It supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by enhancing urban flood risk assessment and improving understanding of climate-driven sea-level rise impacts.

5 May 2025 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
Abdulrahman Abdulaziz AlnaimAbdulrahman Abdulaziz Alnaim
Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Alnaim
FAFahad Saleh Almutlaq
Fahad Saleh Almutlaq
AAAntar A Aboukorin
Antar A Aboukorin
FAFaez Al-shihri
Faez Al-shihri
Umar Lawal DanoUmar Lawal Dano
Umar Lawal Dano
MAMaher S. Alshammari
Maher S. Alshammari
Sea level rise (SLR) and coastal flooding are critical climate‐induced impacts affecting coastal regions, further compounded by rapid urbanization and climate change. In Saudi Arabia, although over 3100 km2 of coastal areas are situated at 1 m elevation, little is known about the expected SLR, and its impacts remain uncertain. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by forecasting SLR‐susceptible zones in the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA) and proposing necessary adaptation measures. The study utilized satellite imagery and GIS data to compare DMAʹs coastal shoreline in 2014 and 2022, simulate SLR scenarios, and identify potential flood zones based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projections. The results indicate that at 0.6 m SLR, 21 km2 of Half‐Moon residential district could experience flooding, while at 1.1 m SLR, 83 km2 of DMA’s total land area could be susceptible to SLR and coastal flooding. The socioeconomic and environmental implications of SLR include flood risks, threats to public health, and infrastructure damage. Therefore, adaptation strategies, such as constructing dikes, seawalls, and accommodations are recommended for SLR‐susceptible zones. The study concludes by advocating for policies that restrict coastal reclamation and related climate change‐induced activities to mitigate the forecasted impacts of SLR and coastal flooding in the study area. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential impacts of SLR on Saudi Arabia’s coastal regions and inform the development of effective adaptation measures to mitigate these impacts.